JUL    .    ..>.. 


AJN  EXPOSITION 


OF    TIIK 


PRINCIPLES  OF  THE  ROMAN  CATHOLIC  RELIGION 


WITH 


REMARKS    ON    ITS    INFLUENCE 


IN  THE 


UNZTSD  STATES. 


-7. 

BY  PHILALETHES. 


^^QF- 


HARTFORD: 

TRINTED  FOR  THE  AUTHOK. 

1830. 


PRINCIPLES 

iW  THE  ROMAN  CATHOLIC  RELIGION 


WHAT  will  be  the  condition  of  our  country,  an  hundred 
years  hence  ?  This  momentous  question  will  receive  very  dif- 
ferent answers,  according  to  the  moral  views  and  feelings  of 
those  to  whom  it  is  addressed.  While  some  are  dreaming 
of  an  uninterrupted  course  of  national  prosperity,  and  are 
constantly  descanting  on  the  future  greatness  and  glory  of 
our  country,  as  if  her  destiny  were  certainly  known  ;  others 
behold  in  the  rapid  inroads  of  vice,  and  error,  and  infidelity ; 
and  in  the  open  and  shameless  manner  in  which  the  laws  of 
God  are  trampled  under  foot  among  us,  fearful  symptoms  of 
approaching  dissolution.  What  will  be  the  final  issue  of 
these  things,  none  can  tell  but  the  Almighty.  That  vain  pol- 
iticians, who  utter  confident  predictions  of  the  future,  know 
nothing  about  it,  is  as  certain  as  the  inspired  declaration  that 
*'  man  is  of  yesterday,  and  knows  nothing."  This  only  we 
learn  from  the  Bible,  that  "  at  what  instant  God  shall  speak 
concerning  a  nation,  and  concerning  a  kingdom,  to  build  and 
to  plant  it,  if  it  do  evil  in  his  sight,  and  obey  not  his  voice, 
then  he  will  repent  of  the  good  wherewith  he  said  he  would 
benefit  them."  I  shall  not  attempt  to  enumerate  all  the  dan- 
gers whicrt  threaten  us.  We  need  but  open  our  eyes,  and 
our  ears,  to  see  the  bold  profanation  of  the  Sabbath,  and  to 
hear  the  scoffs  of  infidels ;  we  have  in  our  Southern  States 
an  immense  mass  of  slaves,  who  are  nniltiplying  with  alarm- 
ing rapidity  :  our  population  is  increasing  at  the  rate  of  a 
thousand  a  day,  and  the  current  of  emigration,  which  sets  so 
strongly  to  the  West,  is  rapidly  bearing  away  this  vast  tide 
of  immortal  souls,  beyond  the  light  of  the  Bible,  the  Sanc- 
tuary, and  the  glorious  gospel,  into  the  valley  of  the  shadow 
of  death.  All  these  things  aflTord  real  grounds  of  apprehen- 
sion, but  as  they  have  already  been  ably  discussed,  I  shall 
not  dwell  upon  them,  but  proceed  to  call  your  attention  to  an- 
other source  of  danger,  which,  though  unknown  to  the  mass 
of  our  churches,  or  little  feared  by  them,  is  nevertheless  of 
great  magnitude;  I  mean  the  spread  of  the  Roman  Catholic 
reliffion  in  our  countrv.     Some  will   doubtless  consider  the 


discussion  of  this  subject  as  uiichiistiau,  others  as  uiineccft- 
sary.  The  true  character  of  the  doctrines  of  the  Romish 
Church,  is  httle  understood  among  us.  Many  good  people 
are  not  aware  how  radically  they  differ  from  the  pure  word 
of  God,  and  the  precepts  of  our  Saviour,  and  his  Apostles. 
They  have  been  accustomed  to  look  upon  Catholic  errors,  as 
trivial,  and  in  no  way  interfering  with  the  salvation  of  the 
soul.  By  such  I  shall  be  charged  with  narrow-minded  illib- 
erality,  and  they  may  be  even  ready  to  join  with  the  Holy 
Mother  Church,  in  the  cry  of  persecution.  Let  us  not  be  de- 
ceived, dear  brethren,  by  this  mistaken  liberality,  which  can 
see  no  difference  between  persecution,  and  argument ;  and 
which  is  afraid  that  the  truth  should  be  told,  lest  it  should 
offend.  I  shall  utter  no  slanders  against  the  Catholic  Church ; 
I  shall  make  no  assertions  which  I  shall  not  endeavor  to 
prove  ;  if  I  persecute,  it  will  be  by  exhibiting  the  nature  and 
tendency  of  their  sentiments,  and  if  they  cannot  bear  investi- 
gation, it  is  no  fault  of  mine. 

There  are  others,  who  though  somewhat  acquainted  with 
the  errors  of  the  Church  of  Rome,  do  not  believe  it  possible 
that  they  should  prevail  to  any  extent  in  this  enlightened 
community.  They  are  not  aware  of  the  spiritual  dark- 
ness which  envolopes  many  sections  of  our  land,  nor  of  the 
consummate  skill,  with  which  this  cunningly  devised  religion, 
is  adapted  to  the  inclinations  of  depraved  men. 

I  shall  attempt  to  shew, 

L  That  the  Spirit  of  the  Catholic  religion  is  in 

DIRECT  OPPOSITION  TO  THAT  OF  THE  BiBLE,  AND  HIGHLY 
INJURIOUS  IN  ITS  EFFECTS. 

II.  That  there  is  great  reason  to  apprehend  an 

EXTENSIVE    prevalence    OF    THIS    RELIGION    IN    OUR  OWN 

country. 

III.  The  means  of  combatting  this  error,  and  the 

DUTY  OF  the  church  IN  THIS  RESPECT. 

Let  it  be  remembered  however,  that  my  arguments,    are 
addressed,  not  to  Catholics,  but  to  the  Protestant  Churches  of 
ike  United  States,  and  that  I  shall  assume  as  the  grounds  of 
my  reasonings,  the  principles  which  are  universally  admitted 
among  them. 

I.  The  Spirit  of  the  Catholic  religion,  is  in  direct 
opposition  to  that  of  the  Bible,  and  highly  injuri- 
ous in  its  effects. 

This  will  appear  from  the  following  facts. 

1.  The  Church  of  Rome  denies  that  the  Word  of  God  is  the 
ONLY  Tide  of  faith  and  practice^  conwiamlins^  vs  fn  rereirp.  the 


itnUiiancts  and  trudifio/is  of  I  he  Chunk,  uilk  chiUl'likc  obedi- 
ence^ and  teaching  that  the  scrij/tures  are  not  ahne  stifficient  to 
instrnct  us  in  our  duty  towards  God. 

As  these  j)rin('i|)los  tiro  openly  acknowlcMlged  by  Catholics, 
it  may  seem  supcrHuoiis  to  athhicc  testimony  to  sliew  that 
such  is  their  behef.  The  tbllowini^-  quotations  iVom  Catholic 
works  of  acknowledged  authority  in  this  country,  will  be  sufli- 
<'ient. 

Question.  '•  Are  wc  bound  to  obey  the  commandments  of  the 
Church  9" 

Answer.  *'  Yes :  because  Christ  has  said  to  the  pastors  ol* 
the  church"  (and  Catholics  admit  no  church  but  the  Church 
of  Rome.)  '  He  that  heareth  you,  heareth  me,'  and,  *  he 
that  despises  you,  despises  me.'  [CathoHc  Catechism,  Chap. 
5.]  "  The  rules  and  ordinances  of  the  Holy  Church,  are 
not  to  be  counted  amongst  tiie  doctrines  and  co'>iima.ndments 
of  men;  because  they  proceed  not  from  mere  human  author- 
ity, but  from  that  which  Christ  has  established  in  his  church, 
(meaning  the  Catholic  Church,)  "  whose  pastors  he  has  com- 
manded us  to  obey  EVEN  AS  HIMSELF."  ^Note  on 
Matt.  15  :  9,  in  the  translation  of  the  IS eic-Tcstament  approved 
by  the  Rt.  Rev.  John  Dubois,  Catholic  Bishop  of  New-  York, 
and  circulated  in  this  country.']  "  The  unwritten  traditions 
of  the  Apostles,  are  no  less  to  be  received  than  their  Epistles." 
[Do.  Note  on  II  Thess.  2 :  14.]  "  If  we  would  have  the 
whole  rule  of  faith  and  practice,  we  must  not  be  content  with 
those  scriptures  which  Timothy  knew  from  his  infancy,  viz^ 
the  Old  Testament,  nor  yet  icith  the  New  Testament,  without 
taking  along  with  it,  the  traditions  of  the  Apostles,  and  the  inter- 
pretation of  the  Church,  to  which  the  Ajwstles  delivered  both  the 
t)Ook  ami  the  true  meaning  of  it.^''  [^Do.  Note  on  11  Timothy  3 : 
16,  17.]  Shell,  a  writer  often  quoted  by  Catholics,  says, 
*'  When  the  whole  canon  of  scripture  was  fully  cojnpleted, 
there  was  no  mention  made  even  of  the  least  care  taken  by 
the  Apostles  to  divulge  it  in  other  languages,  wherein  it 
might  be  read  to  the  nations  then  converted  ;  which  is  a  man- 
ifest sign  that  they  thought  all  christians  were  sufficiently 
provided  for,  only  by  what  they  heard  by  word  of  mouth,  anil 
by  the  traditions  of  the  church."  [Section  24,  7.]  That  we 
may  safely  rely  upon  the  traditions  of  the  church,  the  church 
must  be  infallible  ;  accordingly 

2.   The  Church  of  Rome  claims  infallibility. 

Question.   "  Can  the  Church  err  in  what  she  teaches  T- 

Answer.  "  No:  she  cannot  err  in  matters  of  faith.'" 

Q.  "  Why  so"^'' 


A.  '•  Because  Chiist  has  promised,  that  •  the  gates  of 
hell  shall  not  prevail  against  his  church ;  that  the  Holy  Ghost 
shall  teach  her  all  truth  ;  and  He  himself  will  abide  with  her 
forever.'  "*  "  That  Christ  may  assist  them,  (the  Apostles  and 
th  ir  successors,)  effectually  in  the  execution  of  their  com- 
mission, he  promises  to  be  with  them  ;  (not  for  three  or 
four  hundred  years  only,)  but  all  days  even  lo  the  consumma- 
lion  of  the  world.  How  then  could  the  Catholic  Church  ever 
go  astray  ;  having  always  with  her  pastors,  as  is  here  prom- 
ised Christ  himself,  who  is  the  ivay,  the  truth  and  the  life,'' 
[^Catholic  version,  Note  on  MatlL  28:  18.]  Sheil  says  "  you 
see,  therefore,"  (addressing  himself  to  a  Protestant)  "  by 
clear  Scripture  that  the  church  cannot  err,"  and  in  other  pla- 
ces he  speaks  of  the  church  as  an  infallible  interpreter  of  the 
Scriptures,  as  we  shall  presently  shew.  Indeed  the  doctrine 
of  infallibility,  is  interwoven  with  the  very  constitution  of  the 
papal  church,  and  is  so  universally  admitted,  that  it  would 
he  useless  to  spend  words  to  prove  it.  We  will  merely  no- 
tice the  singular  fact,  that  this  attribute  of  infallibility,  does 
not  exist  in  any  single  individual  in  the  Roman  Church,  not 
even  the  Pope,  (as  is  now  generally  admitted,)  but  in  the  uni- 
ted voice  of  the  fallible  members  which  compose  it.  As  far 
as  I  can  learn  the  decisions  and  decrees  of  her  councils,  as 
those  of  Nice,  Trent  <fec.  are  infallible,  though  no  one  of  the 
members  which  composed  them,  possessed  this  mysterious 
attribute. 

3.  The  Church  of  Rome  does  not  alloio  the  circidaiion  of  the 
pure  %L'ord  of  God,  withoid  note  or  comment,  amo^ig  her  members, 
leaching  that  it  is  a  dangerous  hook  to  jmt  into  the  hands  of  the 
common  people,  without  some  one  to  guide  them  to  the  right  under- 
standing of  it ;  that  error,  schism,  and  heresy  are  the  certain 
consequences  of  siudying  it  for  ourselves,  and  that  none  Imt  the 
hue  Church  (meaning  the  Church  of  Rome,)  is  able  to  give  the 
right  interpretation  of  it. 

The  fact  that  the  Romish  Church  prohibits  the  perusal  of 
the  scriptures,  in  an  intelligible  language  in  all  countries, 
where  it  is  in  her  power  so  to  do,  is  too  notorious  to  require 
proof.  We  presuaie  that  no  intelligent  Catholic  would 
hazard  his  reputatiai  for  veracity  by  asserting  the  contrary. 
If  any  one  is  creduloos  enough  to  believe  that  she  encourages 
the  study  of  God's  w^.rd,  unmixed  with  the  doctrines  of  men, 
let  him  go  into  a  Catholic  country  of  Europe,  and  take  their 
own  authorised  Bible,  in  the  vernacular  language,  (if  he  can 
find  one,)  and  begin  to  distribute  it  among  the  people.  It 
will  not  be  many  days  bftfore  his  eyes  will  be  fully  open  to  the 

?at.prhism 


V' 


true  state  of  the  case,  and  lie  will  be  glad  to  make  his  retreat 
into  this  land  of  freedom.  In  the  United  States,  indeed,  where 
Bibles  and  Testaments  are  abundant,  and  where  the  people 
will  read  if  they  please,  she  has  thought  proper  to  publish  a 
Bible  of  her  own,  in  self-defence,  in  which,  as  will  hereafter 
be  shewn,  all  the  texts  which  militate  against  her  doctrines, 
are  carefully  explained  away  by  notes  and  comments,  and 
every  passage  which  can  possibly  answer  the  purpose  is  so 
interpreted,  as  to  uphold  the  authority  of  the  Papal  church. 
Yet  even  this  Bible,  she  is  not,  (it  is  believed,)  very  solicitous 
to  circulate  in  those  regions  of  our  country  which  are  destitute 
of  the  common  Bible,  but  is  willing  that  her  disciples  should 
receive  the  truth  from  her  lips,  as  obedient  children,  and 
enquire  no  further.* 

But  the  most  pernicious  doctrine  of  the  Church  of  Rome, 
yespecting  the  Bible,  is,  that  it  is  a  book  of  mysteries,  capable 
of  being  understood  and  interpreted  only  by  the  church.  She 
teaches  that  the  word  of  God  is  "  hard  to  be  understood ;" 
that  "  they  that  are  unlearned  and  unstable  wrest  it  to  their 
own  destruction,"  and  that  no  "  scripture  is  of  private  interpre- 
tation ;"  which,  according  to  her  infallible  explanation,  means, 
that  no  one  has  a  right  to  understand  the  scriptures  for  him- 
self, but  must  go  to  the  Church  for  their  sense.  "  We  are  to 
try  the  spirits,  by  examining  whether  their  teaching  be  agree- 
able to  the  rule  of  the  Catholic  faith  :  for  St.  John  says,  he  that 
knoweth  God  knoweth  us,  (the  pastors  of  the  church,)  by  this 
we  know  the  spirit  of  truth  and  the  spirit  of  error.  [Catholic 
version^  note  on  I  John^  4:1.]  Here  we  see  that  we  are  not 
to  try  the  doctrines  of  a  church  by  the  Bible,  but  we  are  to  try 
her  interpretation  of  the  Bible,  by  that  of  the  Church  of  Rome, 
(the  only  true  church,  as  all  Cathohcs  maintain,)  and  that  the 
pastors  of  the  Catholic  Church  are  as  worthy  of  our  faith  and 
obedience  as  John  and  his  companions,  and  this  in  fact  the 
Church  of  Rome  does  most  constantly  teach.  We  have  seen 
above,  that  the  Apostles  delivered  to  the  primitive  church, 
'*  both  the  book  and  the  true  meaning  of  it,"  and  this  true 
meaning  is  to  be  learnt  from  the  traditions  of  the  Church  of 
Rome.  Sheil  says,  "you  (protestants)  stand  in  need  of  some 
infallible  guide,  to  tell  you  which  is  the  undoubted  sense  of 
these  true  copies,"  (viz.  those  which  protestants  consider  as 
canonical,  for  Catholics  hold  the  Apocryphal  books  also  to  be 
canonical,)  *'  and  which  is  not ;  but  you  who  will  not  hear  the 

*  Perhaps  I  am  incorrect  in  this  assertion.  If  so,  the  Cathohcs  can  contradict  it 
by  producing  facts.  It  must  be  acknowledged,  indeed,  that  they  have  little  to  fear 
from  a  Bible,  atmbered  as  theirs  is,  with  the  interpretations  of  the  church.  See  more 
on  this  subject  hereafter. 


church,  arc  not  taught  by  scripture,  wiiicii  guide  you  are  tu 
follow  ill  this  matter."  Cha}).  24.]  He  then  advances  a  step 
further,  and  makes  the  following  assertion,  which  however 
monstrous  it  may  seem,  expresses  the  true  belief  of  Catholics. 
-'  We  believe  the  scriptures  to  be  the  word  of  God,  because 
the  church  (which  we  believe  to  be  infallible,)  tells  us  so,  and 
we  believe  the  church  to  be  infallible,  by  her  traditions  de- 
livered to  her  by  the  Apostles  before  any  Scripture  was 
written,  and  we  believe  tradition  by  its  own  credibility,  and 
we  give  all  the  firm  assent  to  what  the  whole  church  proposes 
to  us  as  the  true  word  of  God.  Our  understanding  adheres 
so  unmoveably  to  this,  that  the  testimony  of  an  angel  could  not 
make  us  believe  it  is  false."  Fletcher  also,  an  eminent 
Catholic  writer,  says,  "  If  men  be  all  allowed  to  judge,  and 
believe,  each  according  to  the  dictates  and  suggestions  of  his 
own  private  feelings  and  capacity,  then  it  is  plain,  that  every 
varied  form,  both  of  error  and  absurdity,  is  but  the  natural 
consequence," — and  again,  "  For  my  own  part,  I  think  this — 
that,  if  there  existed  no  other  reason  to  engage  a  pious  mind 
at  once  to  reject  protestantism,  except  the  above  principle," 
(viz.  allowing  every  person  to  judge  for  himself  of  the  mean- 
ing of  the  Bible,)  "  and  the  evils  which  are  attendant  on  it — 
these  alone  should  suffice  to  do  so."  {Fletcher's  Vieiv, 
Chap.  12.]  This  doctrine  that  the  Church  of  Rome  alone 
understands  the  meaning  of  the  Bible,  like  the  frosts  of  the 
Polar  circle,  checks  the  career  of  reason  and  conscience,  and 
locks  them  up  in  torpid  insensibility. 

'' Miserable  they  ! 

Who  here,  entangled  in  the  gath'ring  ice, 
Take  their  last  look  of  the  descending  sun; 
While  full  of  death,  and  fierce  with  tenfold  frost 
The  long,  long  night  incumbent  o'er  their  heads 
Falls  horrible." 

This  it  is,  which  makes  it  so  difficult  and  hopeless  a  task  to 
reason  with  a  Catholic.  "  His  understanding  adheres  so  im- 
moveably  to  the  doctrines  of  the  church,  that  even  the  testi- 
mony of  an  angel  could  not  make  him  believe  them  false." 

But,  as  the  Church  of  Rome  professes  to  be  the  only  inter- 
preter of  the  Bible,  let  us  attend  to  some  of  her  explanations  : 
and    here    I   shall    confine   myself  to  the  New  Testament.* 

The  following  extracts  are  from  the  authorised  Catholic 
version. — Matthew  3 :  1,  2.  In  those  days  came  John  the 
Baptist  preaching  in  the  desert  of  Judea  ;  and  saying  Do 
penance  :  for  the  kingdom  of  heaven  is  at  hand. 

Note  to  the  above. — '*  This  word,  Do  penance,  accordinir 

These  pxtracts  are  taken  from  the  Douav  Testament, 


d 

lo  the  use  of  tiie  Scriptures  and  the  Holy  Fathers,  does  iiol 
only  signify  repentance  and  amendment  of  life,  but  also  pun- 
ishing past  sins  by  fasting,  and  such  like  penitential  exer- 
cises." So  throughout  the  New  Testament,  the  words 
*'  Repent,"  and  "  Repentance,"  are  translated  "  Do  penance," 
and  "  penance,"  except  where  such  a  translation  would  lead 
to  evident  absurdity,  as  in  Hcb.  12:  17.  where  it  is  said  that 
*'Esau  found  no  place  for  repentance,  though  he  sought  it 
carefully  with  tears,"  which  the  note  very  properly  explains 
ns  meaning,  "  He  found  no  way  to  bring  his  father  to  repent, 
or  change  his  mindy  Why  the  word  does  not  always  have  this 
meaning,  we  are  not  informed. 

Matthew  12 :  32.  He  that  shall  speak  against  the  Holy 
Ghost,  it  shall  not  be  forgiven  him,  neither  in  this  world,  nor 
in  the  world  to  come. 

Note.  '*  From  these  words  St.  Augustine  and  St.  Gregory 
gather  that  some  sins  may  be  remitted  in  the  world  to  come  r 
and  consequently  that  there  is  a  purgatory  or  middle  place." 

36  verse.  For  every  idle  word  that  men  shall  speak,  they 
shall   render   an  account  for   it,    in   the  day  of  Judgment. 

Note.  "  This  shews  there  must  be  a  place  of  temporal  pun- 
ishment, hereafter,  where  these  slighter  faults  shall  be  pun- 
ished." 

For  the  notes  on  Matth.  15 :  9.  see  above. 

Matth.  16 :  18, 19.  And  I  say  unto  thee,  thou  art  Peter, 
and  upon  this  rock  I  will  build  my  church,  &c.  On  this  pas- 
sage there  are  several  prolix  notes,  the  substance  of  which  is, 
that  "  Peter  was  appointed  chief  pastor,  ruler,  and  governor; 
and  should  accordingly  have  all  fulness  of  ecclesiastical  power, 
signified  by  the  keys  of  the  kingdom  of  heaven,"  and  that 
*'  loosing  and  binding,"  mean,  "  loosing  the  cords  of  temporal 
punishments  due  to  sins,  called  an  indulgence,  the  power  of 
which  is  here  granted." 

Matth.  26 :  26,  27.  Take  ye,  eat— this  is  my  body.  And 
raking  the  chalice,  he  gave  thanks ;  and  gave  to  them  saying, 
j>rink  ye    all  of  it. 

Notes.  *'  He  does  not  say,  this  is  the  figure  of  my  body, 
but  this  is  my  body  :  neither  does  he  say,  in  this,  or  with  this, 
is  my  body,  but  absolutely,  This  is  my  body :  which  plainly 
implies  transubstantiation.  Drink  ye  all  of  it.  This  was 
spoken  to  the  twelve  Apostles,  who  were  the  all  then  present. 
But  it  no  ways  follows  from  these  words  spoken  to  the  Apos- 
tles, that  all  the  faithful  are  here  commanded  to  drink  of  the 
chalice."  Our  readers  will  recollect  that  Catholics  deny  the 
cup  to  the  laitv. 


^i 


lU 

hov  the  note  on  Matth.  28  :  18,  see  above. 

Luke  1 :  48,  Henceforth  all  generations  shall  call  me  bles- 
sed. 

Note.  *'  These  words  are  a  prediction  of  that  honour  which 
the  church  in  all  ages  should  pay  to  the  Blessed  Virgin.'* 
What  that  honour  is  which  Catholics  pay  to  her,  shall  here- 
after be  shewn. 

Luke  16 :  9.  Make  to  yourselves  friends  of  the  mammon 
of  unrighteousness,  that  when  you  fail,  they  may  receive  you 
into  everlasting  dwellings. 

Note.  **  By  this  we  see  that  the  poor  servants  of  God, 
whom  we  have  relieved  by  our  alms,  may  hereafter,  by  their 
intercessions,,  bring  our  souls  to  heaven." 

Luke  17  :  10.  We  are  unprofitable  servants ;  we  have  done 
that  which  we  ought  to  do. 

Note.  Because  our  service  is  of  no  profit  to  our  master; 
and  he  justly  claims  it  as  our  bounden  duty.  But  though 
we  are  unprofitable  to  him,  our  serving  him  is  not  unprofita- 
ble to  ourselves  ;  foi-  he  is  pleased  to  give  hy  his  grace  a  value 
to  our  good  tvorks,  which  in  consequence  of  his  promise,  entitles 
them  to  an  eternal  reward.^^ 

Luke  23  :  43,  This  day  shalt  thou  be  with  me  in  paradise. 

This  the  note  says  is  "Limbo,  the  place  of  confinement  of 
departed  saints,  which  was  now  made  a  paradise  by  our  Lord's 
going  thither." 

John  20 :  19.  Now  when  it  was  late  that  same  day,  being 
the  first  day  of  the  week,  and  the  doors  were  shut,  Jesus 
came  and  stood  in  the  midst. 

Note.  "  The  same  power  which  could  bring  Christ's  whole 
body,  entire  in  all  its  dimensions,  through  the  doors,  can, 
without  the  least  question,  make  the  same  body  really  present 
in  the  sacrament." 

Verse  23.  Whose  sins  ye  shall  forgive,  they  are  forgiven 
them  ;  and  whose  ye  shall  retain,  they  are  retained. 

Note.  "  See  here  the  commission,  stamped  by  the  broad 
seal  of  heaven,  by  virtue  of  which  the  pastors  of  Christ's 
church  absolve  repenting  sinners  upon  their  confession. 

Romans  4 :  7.  Blessed  are  they  whose  iniquities  are  for- 
given, and  whose  sins  are  covered. 

Note.  **  That  is,  blessed  are  they  who  by  doing  penance 
have  obtained  pardon  and  remission  of  their  sins,  and  also  are 
covered,  that  is  newly  clothed  with  the  habit  of  grace,  <fec." 

Romans  10  :  15.  How  can  they  preach  unless  they  be  sent  ? 

Note.  **  Here  is  an  evident  proof  against  all  new  teachers, 
who  have  all  usurped  to  themselves  the  ministry,  without  any 


11 

lawful  mission  derived  by  succession  from  the  Apostles,  to 
whom  Christ  said,  John  20:  21.  as  my  father  has  sent  me, 
so  also  I  send  you." 

I  might  make  a  multitude  of  similar  extracts,  but  will  only 
add  one  passage,  which  is  grossly  misinterpreted  to  suit  the 
convenience  of  the  Papal  Church.  The  first  clause  of  Heb. 
13 :  4.  is  thus  literally  translated.  "  Marriage  honorable  in  all." 
Which  the  note  explains  to  mean,  Let  marriage  he  honorable 
in  aU  tilings^  instead  of,  Marriage  is  honorable  in  all  persons, 
which  is  the  idea  conveyed  by  our  translation.  This  inter- 
pretation is  given  to  save  the  credit  of  the  Church  of  Rome, 
who  forbids  her  pastors  to  marry  ;  but  whether  it  be  the  most 
rational  way  of  filling  out  the  sentence,  let  the  candid  judge. 

4.  Many  of  the  practices  of  the  Church  of  Rome  are  contrary 
to  Scripture.,  and  others  are  unprofitahle  and  unauthorised  hy  the 
word  of  God. 

Such  are  the  following. 

(a)  Invocation  of  Saints  and  Angels. 

Cathohcs  deny  that  they  worship  Saints  and  Angels,  and 
maintain  that  the)^  merely  request  an  interest  in  their  prayers, 
as  we  do  in  the  prayers  of  our  pious  friends.  "If  it  be  law- 
ful," argues  the  bishop  of  Aire,  "  to  solicit  the  prayers  of  our 
living  friends,  how  can  it  be  unlawful  to  solicit  the  prayers 
of  our  dead  friends  ?"  The  following  are  some  of  their 
prayers. 

A  prayer  entitled  The  Litany  of  the  Blessed  Virgin.  "  We 
fly  to  thy  patronage,  O  holy  Mother  of  God,  despise  not  our 
petitions  in  our  necessities,  but  deliver  us  from  all  dangers,  O 
ever  glorious  and  blessed  Virgin. 

Lord  have  mercy  on  us.  * 

Christ  have  mercy  on  us. 

Christ  hear  us,  Christ  graciously  hear  us. 

God  the  Father  of  Heaven,  Have  mercy  on  us. 

God  the  Son,  the  Redeemer  of  the  world.  Have  mercy  on  us. 

God  the  Holy  Ghost,  Have  mercy  on  us. 

Holy  Trinity,  one  God,  Have  mercy  on  us. 

Holy  Mary^  Pray  for  us.^^ 

Here  the  Blessed  Virgin  is  joined  in  company  with  the  Holy 
Trinity.  In  this  same  Litany  she  is  addressed  by  no  less 
than  44  epithets,  some  of  which  are,  "  Mother  of  Divine  grace, 
Virgin  most  merciful,  Virgin  most  powerful,  Mirror  of  Justice, 
Seat  of  Wisdom,  Ark  of  the  Covenant,  Gate  of  Heaven, 
Refuge  of  sinners,"  and  "  Queen  of  all  saints." 

Another  prayer.  "  O  Holy  Virgin,  Mother  of  God,  and  sure 
refuge  of  all  poor  sinners,  intercede  for  me  at  this  moment, 
&c.  &c." 


X2 

Prayer  to  ouv  guardian  angel. — '*  O  Holy  angel  to  whose 
care  God  in  his  mercy  hath  committed  me;  you,  who  assist 
me  in  all  my  wants,  who  console  me  in  my  afflictions,  who 
support  me  when  dejected,  and  who  constantly  obtain  for  me 
new  favors ;  I  return  you  now  most  sincere  and  humble 
thanks  :  and  I  conjure  you,  O  amiable  guide,  to  continue  still 
your  care  ;  to  defend  me  against  my  enemies  ;  to  remove  from 
me  the  occasions  of  sin  ;  to  obtain  for  me  a  docility  to  thy 
holy  inspirations  ;  to  protect  me,  in  particular,  at  the  hour  of 
my  death  ;  and  then  to  conduct  me  to  the  mansions  of  eternal 
repose.  Amen." — [Catholic  Manual,  Diiblin.'] 

Other  similar  prayers  may  be  found  in  Catholic  prayer 
books  addressed  to  St.  Joseph,  &c.  [See  appendix  A.] 

(b.)  Reverencing  oj  images,  pictures,  relics,  crucifixes,  &fc. 

Sheil  says,  "  Why  should  we  be  called  idolaters,  for  making 
and  venerating  such  images,  as  may  put  us  in  remembrance 
that  Christ  was  crucified  for  our  sins."  The  second  council 
of  Nice,  declares,  that  "  the  honor  paid  to  the  image  passes 
to  the  prototype  ;  and  he  who  adores  the  image,  adores  it  in 
the  person  of  him  whom  it  represents."  The  council  of  Trent 
also  says,  "  Due  honor  and  veneration  is  to  be  given  to  the 
images  of  Christ,  of  the  mother  of  God,  and  of  the  saints  ; 
not  that  there  is  believed  to  be  in  them  any  divinity  or  virtue, 
for  which  they  are  to  be  worshipped,  ur  that  any  confidence  is 
to  be  placed  in  the  images,  but  because  the  honor  which  is 
given  to  the  images,  is  referred  to  the  persons  represented  by 
the  images  ;  so  that  by  or  through  the  images  which  we  kiss, 
and  before  which  we  uncover  our  heads,  or  lie  prostrate,  we 
adore  Christ  and  reverence  the  Saints,  whom  these  images  re- 
^esev^." 

It  appears  from  these  quotations,  that  Catholics  worship 
not  images,  but  adore  Christ,  and  reverence  the  Saints  through 
the  images  which  represent  them,  which  is  precisely  what  the 
Heathen,  both  ancient  and  modern  have  done,  and  what  is 
forbidden  in  the  second  commandment.*  Did  the  ancient 
pagans  adore  the  Statue  of  Jupiter,  or  Jupiter  through  ihe 
statue  ?  The  most  ignorant  pagan,  in  bowing  down  before 
his  idol,  supposed  "  Not  that  brass  and  gold  and  silver, 
Avhen  fashioned  into  statues  are  gods  ;  but  that,  through  these 
images,  the  invisible  gods  are  honored  and  worshipped.  [Ar- 
nobius,  quoted  hy  FaherJ]  Do  not  Catholics  make  to  them- 
selves the  likeness  of  the  Virgin  Mary,  and  of  our  Saviour  r 
Do  they  not  bow  down  to  them  ?  Do  they  not  kiss  them,  and 
uncover  their  heads,  and  lie  prostrate  before  them  ?  What  is 
this  but  worship  ?  It  appears  then  that  Catholics  are  guilty  of 

"^  The  first  in  Catholic  books 


18 

idolatry,  not  figuratively,  but  literally,  in  the  strictest  sense  of 
the  word.  Many  good  people  in  our  country  consider  it 
slander  to  accuse  the  Catholics  of  idolatry,  but  we  have  their 
own  testimony  on  the  subject,  for  the  DECREES  OF  THE 
COUNCILS  OF  NICE,  AND  TRENT,  ARE  INFALLI- 
BLE, according  to  the  unanimous  belief  of  all  Catholics,  who 
appeal  to  them  as  of  the  highest  authority.*  [See  appendix  B.J 

(c)  Prayer  for  the  Bead,  and  the  doctrine  of  Purgatory, 

Q.  Are  the  souls  in  Purgatory  helped  hy  our  prayers':! 

A,  Yes  ;  they  are. 

^.    What  do  you  mean  hy  Purgatory  ? 

A.  A  middle  state  of  souls,  suffering  for  a  time  on  account 
of  their  sins. 

(^.  In  lohat  cases  do  souls  go  to  Purgatory  ^^ 

A.  When  they  die  in  less  sins,  which  we  call  venial ;  or 
when  they  have  not  satisfied  the  justice  of  God  for  former 
transgressions. 

^.  Hoio  do  you  prove  there  is  a  Purgcitary  ? 

A.  Because  the  Scripture  often  teaches,  that  *^  God  will 
render  to  every  man  according  to  his  works  :"  and  that 
''  nothing  defiled  can  enter  heaven,"  and  that  some  Chris- 
tians *'  shall  be  saved,  yet  so  as  by  fire."  [Catholic  Cate- 
chism, Chap,  2.] 

It  ought  to  be  added  however  that  the  more  candid  writers 
among  the  Catholics,  do  not  pretend  to  prove  the  doctrine  of 
Purgatory  from  Scripture. 

Having  given  a  definition  of  Purgatory,  in  the  language  of 
papists,  we  will  next  exhibit  some  of  their  prayers  for  the 
souls  confined  therein.  These  are  taken  from  the  Roman 
Missal,  in  use  in  this  country,  answering  to  the  Prayer  Book 
of  Episcopalians,  translated  by  Bishop  England,  and  whose 
authority  no  Catholic  would  dare  to  contradict. 

'*  O  God,  we  humbly  present  our  prayers  to  thee  in  behalf 
of  the  soul  of  thy  servant  N.  which  thou  hast  this  day  called 
out  of  the  world  :  beseeching  thee  not  to  deliver  it  into  the 
hand  of  the  enemy,  or  to  forget  it  forever :  but  command  it 
to  be  received  by  the  holy  angels  into  paradise,  <fec." 

Another.  "  Receive  O  Lord,   our  prayers  in  behalf  of  the 

*  The  following  tremendous  anathemas  are  from  the  Second  Council  of  Nice ;  they 
remind  us  of  the  Jews  in  our  Saviour's  time,  who,  when  confuted  by  him  were  jilled 
vnth  madness,  and  sought  how  they  might  destroy  him.  "  Anathema  to  the  calum- 
niators of  christians !  Anathema  to  the  breakers  of  images  !  Anathema  to  those  who 
apply  to  images  the  scriptural  denunciations  against  idols !  Anathema  to  those  who  re- 
fuse to  salute  the  holy  and  venerable  images !  Anathema  to  those  who  call  the  holy 
images  idols !  Anathema  to  those  who  aid  and  abet  the  dishonorers  of  the  holy 
images !" 

Behold  here  the  beast  which  has  two  horns  like  a  lamb,  but  speaks  like  a  dragon. 


14 

soul  of  thy  servant  N.  that  if  any  stams  of  the  corruptions  of 
this  world  still  stick  to  it,  they  may  be  washed  away  by  thy 
forgiving." 

An  Anniversary  mass  for  the  Dead. 

"  O  God,  the  Lord  of  mercy,  give  to  the  soul  (souls)  of  thy 
servant  (servants)  whose  anniversary  we  commemorate,  a 
place  of  comfort,  a  happy  rest,  and  the  light  of  glory." 

Our  readers  will  recollect  that  these  absurd  petitions,  are 
not  the  obsolete  prayers  of  the  dark  ages,  nor  the  prayers  of 
the  dark  regions  of  papal  dominion,  but  are  used  at  the  present 
day  in  our  own  enlightened  country. 

(d)  Auricular  confession^  and  remission  of  sins,  hy  indiilgeii" 
ees  and  satisfaction. 

These  things  will  be  best  described,  in  the  language  of 
Catholics. 

Q.   What  is  confession  ? 

A.  Confession  is  the  accusation  of  our  sins  to  a  priest,  in 
order  to  obtain  absolution  of  them. 

Q,.  Must  ive  declare  all  !■ 

A.  Yes,  we  must  declare  all ;  for,  if  we  were  wilfully  to 
conceal  any  mortal  sin,  we  should  not  obtain  the  remission 
of  any,  and  should  besides  commit  a  sacrilege.* 

Q.  In  loliat  sentiments  sJioidd  ive  place  ourselves  upon  02ir  knees 
before  the  priest,  ivhefi  ive  are  going  to  confession  ? 

A.  In  the  sentiments  of  a  criminal  WHO  IS  ABOUT 
TO  OFFER  HONORABLE  AMENDMENT  TO  GOD; 
VIEWING  JESUS  CHRIST  IN  THE  PERSON  OF 
THE  PRIEST. 

Q.   What  is  absolution  ? 

A.  It  is  the  remission  of  our  sins,  which  the  Priest  im- 
parts in  virtue  of  the  power,  he  has  received  from  Christ. 

Q.   PFJiat  is  an  Indulgence  ? 

A.  An  indulgence  is  a  remission  of  the  temporal  punish- 
ment, dueto  sin  either  in  this  life  or  in  the  life  to  come. 

Q.  How  many  kinds  of  Indidgences  are  there  ? 

A.  There  are  two  kinds  ;  the  partial  indulgence  and  the 
plenary  indulgence. 

Q.   What  is  a  partial  Indulgence  ? 

A.  It  is  that  which  remits  only  a  part  of  the  temporal  pun- 
ishment due  to  sin. 

Q,.  Hotv  is  this  kind  of  Indulgence  expressed  ? 

A.  It  is  expressed  by  saying,  for  example,  an  Indulgence 
of  twenty  days,  of  an  hundred  days,  <fcc. 

*  David  however  says,  "  Who  can  understand  his  errors,"  How  long  does  it  take 
a  Catholic  to  confess  all  his  sins  ? 


15 

H-   Wtuit  is  a  plenary  Indulgence  ?■ 

A.  It  is  that  which  inckides  the  entire  remission  of  the 
temporal  punishment  due  to  sin. 

Q.  Do  all  equally  gain  a  plenary  Indulgence  ? 

A.  No:  each  one  receives  the  benefit  of  it,  only  according 
to  his  disposition. 

Q,.   What  is  satisfactimi  ? 

A.  It  is  a  reparation  which  we  owe  to  God,  or  to  our  neigh- 
bor, for  the  injury  we  have  done  him. 

Q.  Are  we  obliged  to  satisfy  God,  even  after  the  sin  has 
been  remitted  us  9 

A.  Yes  we  are  :  for  although  the  eternal  punishment  be 
remitted  us  by  absolution,  yet  there  remains  a  temporal  pun- 
ishment which  we  have  to  expiate,  either  in  this  world,  or 
in  the  world  to  come. 

Q.  Hoiv  do  ice  satisfy  God  ? 

A.  We  satisfy  God  by  the  works  of  penance,  which  we 
perform  in  the  grace  of  Jesus  Christ,  through  whom  we  live, 
we  merit,  and  we  satisfy. 

Q.   Which  are  the  best  works  of  penance  ? 

A.  Those  which  are  imposed  upon  us  by  the  priests  :  such 
as  chiefly,  prayer,  fasting  and  alms.  [Catholic  Catechism, 
various  places.'] 

It  clearly  appears  from  the  above,  as  well  as  from  many 
quotations  before  given,  (and  many  more  might  be  added  if 
necessary,)  that  Catholics  are  taught  to  rely  on  the  penances 
assigned  to  them  by  the  priest,  which  are  here  denominated 
good  works,  as  meritorious  in  securing  heaven,  through  the 
virtue  imparted  to  them  by  Christ.  Thus  do  they  engraft  their 
own  worthless  ceremonies  and  imperfect  services  upon  the 
all-perfect  righteousness  of  Christ,  robbing  him  of  the  glory 
of  their  salvation,  and  deceiving  their  own  souls.  This  is 
the  most  dangerous  shape  in  which  self-righteousness  can 
appear.  Nothing  is  better  suited  to  soothe  the  conscience 
and  lull  it  to  security.  The  poor  deluded  worshipper  resigns 
his  soul  into  the  hands  of  the  Holy  Church,  and  thinks  his 
salvation  sure,  if  he  heartily  obeys  her  directions,  and  sin- 
cerely performs  the  good  works  imposed  upon  him  by  his 
priests  ;  and  under  the  quieting  influence  of  this  spiritual 
opiate  he  sleeps  securely,  till  his  redemption  has  ceased  for- 
ever.* 

*  Whatever  the  friends  of  the  Catholic  Church  may  say  in  her  defence,  itis  evident 
Oiat  her  devotees  do  sincerely  beheve  that  they  obtain  the  pardon  of  their  sins,  by 
this  round  of  duties,  at  the  hand  of  the  priest,  and  thousands  of  them  die  under  the 
influence  of  this  awful  delusion,  in  the  firm  hope  of  future  happiness.  *'  If  the  blind 
lead  the  "blind  shall  they  not  both  fall  into  the  ditch." 


It; 

1  might  go  oil  to  enumerate  other  things  equaliy  contrai'v 
to  scripture,  such  as,  Works  of  Supererogation,  The  Doctrine 
of  the  real  presence  of  Christ  in  the  sacramental  bread  and 
wine,  &c.,  but  I  should  transgress  the  limits  which  I  have 
prescribed  to  myself. 

The  ceremonies  of  the  Catholic  Church  are  exceedingly 
numerous,  and  many  of  her  ordinances  frivolous  and  unprofi- 
table, such  as  abstaining  from  flesh  on  Fridays,  and  Satur- 
days, fasting  from  midnight  before  we  go  to  communion,  the 
violation  of  which,  the  church  calls  "  a  great  sin,"  crossing  our- 
selves with  Holy  Water,  &.c.  The  Catholic  ritual  is  exceed- 
ingly magnificent,  and  admirably  calculated  to  strike  the 
senses  of  the  vulgar.  The  unknown  language  in  which  her 
priests  officiate,  gives  her  an  air  of  great  ancientness,  and 
induces  ignorance  to  think,  that  she  alone  possesses  the  trea- 
sures of  wisdom  and  learning. 

The  above  is  a  faithful,  though  imperfect  exposition  of  the 
Catholic  religion,  as  it  exists  in  this  country.  From  this  it 
appears  how  mistaken  is  the  idea  of  those  who  suppose  that 
Catholicism  here,  is  quite  a  different  thing  from  Catholicism 
in  Europe.  This  no  true  Catholic  would  be  willing  to  admit 
for  a  moment.  His  boast  is  that  the  Holy  Church  is  the 
same  in  all  ages  and  all  countries.  She  does  indeed  appear 
among  us  disrobed  of  the  civil  power  ;  we  are  not  compelled 
to  fall  prostrate  before  the  ceremony  of  the  Host,  neither 
are  we  liable  to  have  our  Bibles  taken  out  of  our  hands  ;  but 
for  this  let  us  thank  God  and  the  Protestant  religion.  The 
tendency  of  Catholicism  is  to  reduce  all  nations  to  a  common 
level.  Her  dominion  over  her  disciples  is  not  less  absolute 
here,  than  in  Europe :  the  chains  with  which  she  binds  rea- 
son and  conscience,  are  not  less  strong  ;  and  were  she  uni- 
versally to  prevail,  there  would  soon  be  no  difference  between 
us,  and  the  Catholic  nations  of  Europe. 

II.  There  is  great  reason  to  apprehend  an  exten- 
sive PREVALENCE  OF  THE  CATHOLIC  RELIGION  IN  OUR 
COUNTRY. 

I  readily  admit,  that  were  all  our  countrymen  well  in- 
structed in  the  Bible,  there  could  be  little  reason  to  appre- 
hend danger  from  papal  influence.  But  where  ignorance  of 
the  word  of  God,  and  consequent  immorality  prevail,  there 
is  a  fearful  preparation  in  the  minds  of  the  people  for  the 
reception  of  error  ;  and  no  error  will  be  more  greedily  imbi- 
bed than  this.  The  Church  of  Rome,  does,  in  effect,  guar- 
antee the  salvation  of  all  who  will  entrust  themselves  to  her 
care.     She  kindly  relieves  them  of  the  burden  of  taking  care 


i; 

uf  tlieir  imiiiuitai  interests,  and  they  have  only  lo  make  u 
hearty  surrender  of  their  souls  to  her  keeping,  and  bHndly 
follow  her  directions,  as  obedient  children,  and  they  are  sure 
of  reaching  heaven :  and  even  if  some  stains  of  pollution 
adhere  to  their  souls  at  death,  they  are  assured  of  an  interest 
in  the  prayers  of  the  church,  and  cheered  w^ith  the  prospect 
of  a  speedy  release  from  the  pains  of  Purgatory,  to  the  man- 
sions of  everlasting  rest.  What  can  be  more  pleasing  to  a 
blinded  mind,  and  unholy  heart  ?  Who  would  not  much 
rather  do  penance,  than  repent,  and  submit  to  the  yoke  of 
Christ  ?  How  admirably  is  the  papal  doctrine  of  good  works, 
adapted  to  the  inclinations  of  the  natural  heart  ?  No  sensible 
man,  who  knows  the  history  of  Popery  in  Europe,  will  despise 
her  influence.  "  She  has  cast  down  many  strong  men.'* 
She  has  held  most  of  the  nations  of  Europe  in  bondage  for 
centuries.  Some  have  represented  the  Catholic  system  as  a 
mass  of  absurdities,  which  even  a  child  could  refute.  But 
**  men  of  full  age"  have  had  enough  to  do,  to  grapple  with 
her.  She  has  the  combined  wisdom  of  ages,  and  is  undoubt- 
edly the  master-piece  of  error.  Is  human  nature  in  America 
different  from  human  nature  in  Europe  ?  Will  not  the  same 
causes  which  have  given  Popery  an  ascendency  in  the  old 
world,  also  gain  her  dominion  in  the  new  ^ 

It  must  be  admitted  then,  as  a  maxim  not  to  be  dis- 
puted, that  OUR  NATION  HAS  NO  PRESERVATIVE 
AGAINST  POPERY,  EXCEPT  IN  THE  KNOWLEDGE 
OF  THE  HOLY  SCRIPTURES. 

Let  us  then  look  at  the  condition  of  our  country.  Are  all 
our  citizens  enlightened  ?  Are  there  no  dark  places  in  our 
land,  where  the  Bible  is  unknown,  where  the  Sabbath  is  pro- 
faned, and  the  people  are  perishing  for  lack  of  knowledge  f* 
Even  in  New-England  do  not  we  find  in  our  populous  towns 
multitudes,  who  know  little  more  of  the  word  of  God,  than 
Heathen  ? 

But  it  is  not  New-England  that  has  the  most  to  fear  from 
Papal  influence.  The  Church  of  Rome  has  chosen  the  valley 
of  the  Mississippi,  as  the  grand  theatre  of  her  operations,  and 
no  one  will  question  the  sagacity  of  the  choice.  What  is  the 
condition  of  the  valley  of  the  Mississippi  ?  The  heart  of  the 
christian  must  bleed,  when  he  beholds  the  immense  tide  of 
immortal  souls,  that  is  rolling  over  this  fertile  vale  with  un- 
exampled rapidity,  and  then  looks  at  the  moral  darkness 
which  rests  upon  it.  A  large  part  of  the  people  are  destitute 
of  the  Bible  ;  they  have  no  preached  gospel ;  vice  and  infi- 
delity consequently  abound ;  in  this  condition  thfey  are  pre- 


18 

paved  to  be  led  away  ''  by  every  wind  oi'  doctrine,  and  cunning 
craftiness  of  men  who  lie  in  wait  to  deceive  them." 

Those  who  ridicule  the  idea  that  Papacy  may  ever  gain  an 
ascendency  in  our  country,  are  requested  to  look  at  the  follow- 
ing facts. 

1.  It  is  morally  certain  that  in  the  course  of  at  least  a 
century,  the  vale  of  the  Mississippi  will  contain  a  population 
sufficiently  large  to  give  her  a  predominance  in  our  national 
councils. 

2.  We  have  already  shewn  that  the  moral  character  of  the 
inhabitants  is  highly  favorable  to  the  propagation  of  this 
error. 

3.  The  Church  of  Rome  has  set  in  operation  an  extensive 
plan  for  the  conversion  of  this  region  to  her  doctrines. 

For  this  purpose  she  is  establishing  schools,  and  colleges,  in 
various  places,  for  the  education  of  the  young ;  her  missiona- 
ries are  abroad  in  all  directions,  zealously  propagating  her 
sentiments  ;  they  want  not  energy  or  perseverance  ;  many  of 
them  have  consecrated  themselves  to  the  work,  with  an  ardor 
and  devotedness  becoming  a  better  cause.  I  impeach  not 
their  motives  ;  "  I  bear  them  record  that  they  have  a  zeal  of 
God,  but  not  according  to  knowledge"  :  they  want  not  sagacity 
nor  prudence  ;  most  of  them  have  been  thoroughly  educated 
to  the  business,  and  understand  the  art  of  accommodating 
themselves  to  the  circumstances  of  society :  accustomed  to 
bow  down  their  ear  to  auricular  confession,  they  understand 
human  character  and  the  art  of  managing  mankind  :  they 
want  not  foreign  patronage  :  this  may  prossibly  be  new  to 
some  of  our  readers.  It  appears  from  a  late  paragraph  in 
one  of  the  Catholic  papers,  that  a  Catholic  priest  "  has  re- 
cently departed  for  Havre,  where  he  is  to  meet  some  priests 
who  have  devoted  themselves  to  that  (the  Ohio)  Mission.* 
This  gentleman  was  educated  at  the  College  de  Propaganda 
at  Rome.  He  has  been  successful  in  France  in  procuring 
aid  for  the  mission  in  Ohio,  but  he  has  in  Vienna  established  a 
society  to  aid  the  progress  of  the  truth,  and  in  Mmiich  the  King 
of  Bavaria  has  become  a  protector  of  a  similar  association.^''  It 
appears  then  that  the  Catholics  in  the  West  are  beginning  to 
enjoy  the  patronage  of  European  princes ;  and  that  Catholic 
countries  are  liberally  supplying  us  with  teachers  "of  the 
truth."  No  doubt  they  wdl  receive  a  sufficient  supply  of  gold 
and  silver,  to  enable  them  to  carry  on  their  proselyting 
establishments  without  embarrassment.     '■^Let  him,  that  read- 

*  We  learn  by  a  late  Catholic  paper  that  Mr.  Reze.  with  uine  ecclesiastics  has 
already  arrived. 


,19 

eth  uudcratamL''  Thus  to  use  tlie  pompous  language  of 
Catholics,  the  time  seems  to  be  coming,  when  "  the  spread  of 
Catholicity  will  encompass  us  on  all  sides,  and  bring  us  to  the 
knowledge  of  the  Cod  of  truth,  and  of  that  Church  the  Inter- 
preter of  the  Bible." 

We  are  then  to  view  this  great  valley  of  the  mother  of 
rivers,  as  destined  to  be  the  theatre  of  a  moral  contest,  almost 
unparalleled  for  importance  in  the  history  of  man.  This  is 
the  field  of  action  ;  here  the  battle  is  to  be  lost  or  won,  which 
is  to  decide  the  moral  condition  of  unborn  millions :  the  con" 
fiict  is  not  for  any  earthly  object,  but  for  immortal  interests; 
for  the  purity  of  religion  ;  for  the  right  of  using  the  reason 
which  our  Creator  has  given  us,  in  the  study  of  his  most  holy 
word ;  for  the  privilege  of  obeying  God,  rather  than  man  ; 
and  of  confessing  our  sins  to  our  Maker,  and  not  to  a  sinful 
worm  like  ourselves.  This  conflict  will  be  decided  in  a  few 
years,  and  its  decision  will  be  attended  with  consequences, 
compared  with  which,  those  of  Pharsalia  and  Waterloo,  sink 
into  insignificance.  We  may  not  live  to  behold  its  termina- 
tion, but  our  children  will  see  and  feel  the  issue. 

III.  We  are  to  consider  the  means  of  combatting 

THIS  error  and  the  DUTY  OF  THE  ChURCH  IN  THIS 
RESPECT. 

1.  The  first  and  most  obvious  duty  of  the  Church  is  to  awake 
to  the  subject. 

While  we  are  securely  reposing,  dreaming  that  *'  our 
mountain  stands  sure,  and  that  we  shall  never  be  moved," 
the  Church  of  Rome  is  vigilantly  improving  the  opportunity 
Vvhich  our  supineness  affords  her.  She  kindly  encourages 
our  inactivity,  and  wisely  recommends  us  to  follow  the 
prudent  advice  of  good  old  Gamaliel.  Already  has  she 
jnore  than  half  persuaded  some  of  our  members,  that  it  is 
best  to  sit  still,  and  not  stir  a  finger  against  her,  if  not  to 
patronize  her  operations.  If  v*^e  will  not  arouse,  and  pray 
and  labor  ;  if  we  will  obstinately  persevere  in  our  belief  that 
there  is  no  danger,  we  shall  hereafter  bitterly  repent  our  folly. 

2.  We  ought  to  acquaint  ourselves  ivith  the  character  of  Popery. 
The    impression    prevails    extensively   among   American 

Protestants,  that  Catholic  doctrines  and  practices  are  com- 
paratively pure  in  this  country,  and  that  the  Church  of  Rome 
is  not  chargeable  with  those  monstrous  absurdities  which  have 
been  attributed  to  her ;  and  there  will  always  be  those  found 
among  the  enemies  of  evangelical  religion,  impudent  enough 
to  advocate  this  opinion.  Many  think  it  a  crime  to  assert 
that  the  Papal  Church  claims  the   prerogative  of  pardoning 


sins,  and  enjoins  the  worship  of  saints,  angeis,  and  images  ; 
although  her  priests  every  where  declare  that  they  do  par-> 
don  sins,  and  although  her  forms  of  devotion  abound  in 
idolatrous  prayers  to  saints,  and  angels,  and  we  may  see 
with  our  eyes  her  devotees  doing  homage  to  pictures,  crosses, 
relics,  &c.  I^et  us  then  examine  this  matter  for  ourselves. 
that  our  opinion  may  rest  not  on  authority  alone,  and  we  may 
not  be  abashed  by  bold  contradiction.  The  history  of  the. 
Romish  Church  should  also  be  studied.  Her  arrogant  pre- 
tensions to  be  the  only  true  church,  can  all  be  confuted,  and 
her  traditions  shewn  to  be  contrary  to  scripture,  and  unworth\- 
of  belief;  but  if  we  are  not  prepared  to  meet  her  plausible 
and  sophistical  reasonings,  we  may  be  much  embarrassed  by 
them. 

3.  We  might  to  make  use  of  the  information  thus  acquired  io 
defend  the  truth. 

This  may  be  done  in  various  ways  :  by  personal  and  friend- 
ly intercourse  with  Catholics  themselves,  as  far  as  practicable ; 
by  the  circulation  of  books  calculated  to  throw  light  on  the 
subject ;  many  excellent  treatises  have  been  written  in  which 
the  errors  of  popery  are  confuted  with  great  force  and  clear- 
ness ;  by  the  distribution  of  such  tracts  as  already  exist,  and 
the  preparation  of  others  adapted  to  the  wants  of  the  commu- 
nity :  these  will  be  very  useful  if  they  are  written  in  a  miid» 
plain,  and  christian  manner,  avoiding  all  asperity,  and  seeking 
only  to  advance  the  truth  ;  but  if  they  be  written  in  a  harsh, 
abusive  style,  they  will  be  worse  than  nothing.  It  may  be 
added,  that  every  tract  which  clearly  exhibits  gospel  principles, 
contains  in  itself  a  refutation  of  error,  and  those  which  display 
false  doctrine  in  its  true  light,  without  reference  to  sects,  will 
be  read  with  less  prejudice,  and  consequently  with  more 
profit.  The  opinion  of  Catholic  priests  with  regard  to  tracts, 
may  be  gathered  from  the  fact  that  they  discourage  the  peru- 
sal of  them  among  their  people,  by  all  the  means  in  their 
power. 

It  may  be  indeed  the  desire  of  Catholics  that  we  shoidd 
remain  silent,  and  many  Protestants  may  thiid^  a  controversy 
of  this  kind  inexpedient  :  but  I  know  not  by  what  logic  it  can 
be  proved  that  we  ought  to  sit  still,  and  see  error  industrious- 
ly propagated.  We  may  not,  it  is  true,  be  able  to  convert 
Cathohcs  ;  but  by  a  clear  exhibition  of  the  truth  we  may 
prevent  the  spread  of  it,  among  indifferent  persons,  and  if 
any  man  will,  after  being  enlightened,  eml3race  error,  his 
blood  must  be  upon  his  own  head. 


4.  tVe  are  loudly  called  upon  to  extend  a  more  efficient  and 
liberal  patronage  to  the  American  Home  Missionary,  Bible 
and  Tract  Societies. 

The  Home  Missionary  Society  sends  out  pastors  to  break 
the  bread  of  life  to  those  who  are  famishing  for  lack  of  knowl- 
edge. The  Bible  Society  gives  the  pure  word  of  God,  which 
enlightens  the  eyes,  and  makes  wise  to  salvation.  The  Tract 
Society  diffuses  the  rays  of  gospel  light,  over  this  benighted 
vegion.  I  will  not  insult  your  understandings  by  eulogising 
these  institutions.  I  only  ask  you  solemnly  to  enquire  how 
much  does  the  Lord  require  you  to  give.  Are  you  doing  your 
duty  in  this  respect  ? 

The  American  Sunday  School  Union  deserves  our  warmest 
support  in  the  efforts  she  is  now  making  for  the  spread  of 
Sabbath  Schools  in  the  West.  If  we  can  but  establish  these 
blessed  institutions  in  the  vale  of  the  Mississippi,  she  will  be 
safe  from  error.  Those  who  have  been  nourished  and  brought 
up  on  the  "  pure  milk  of  the  word"'  cannot  easily  be  induced  to 
relish  the  husks  of  popery.  Blessed  be  God  for  the  establish- 
ment of  Sabbath  Schools  in  our  land !  otherwise  we  should 
soon  be  swept  away  by  the  floods  of  error.  Four  hundred 
dollars  will  support  an  Agent  in  the  West.  How  many  of 
our  County  and  State  Unions,  might  easily  do  this,  and  thus 
prove  a  rich  blessing  to  thousands  ?  This  has  already  been 
successfully  undertaken  by  at  least  one  County  Union,*  and 
we  hope  others  will  soon  follow  the  example. 

5.  JVe  slioidd  he  more  vigilant  in  searching  out  and  train- 
Ing  iip  young  men  for  the  ministry.  Let  pious  pastors  and 
teachers  have  an  eye  to  this  work.  Lot  not  indications  of 
youthful  talents  and  piety,  escape  the  notice  of  the  watchmen 
of  Israel.  Let  the  instructors  of  youth  carefully  examine  the 
texture  of  the  minds  which  come  under  their  care;  and 
whenever  they  find  uncommon  strength,  activity  or  enterprize, 
let  them  be  consecrated  to  the  Lord  in  the  closet,  and  recom- 
mended to  the  patronage  of  the  church.  Let  pious  fathers 
and  pious  mothers,  be  willing  to  part  with  their  sons  when 
Christ  calls  them  to  follow  him.  Parents!  who  of  you  have 
children  destined  to  receive  the  reward  of  those  who  turn 
many  to  righteousness,  and  to  shine  as  the  stars  of  the  firma- 
ment forever  and  ever  ?  Methinks  you  cannot  but  rejoice 
and  thank  God  when  he  calls  you  to  part  with  them.  Let 
those  whom  God  has  entrusted  with  wealth,  esteem  it  a  most 
delightful  task  to  take  young  men  by  the  hand  and  assist 
them  in  their  studies,  trusting  to  God,  that  he   will  prepare* 

The  Hartford  Countv  Sabbath  »School  Union. 


22 

their  lieaits  by  his  j^race  tor  being  stewards  of  the  mysteries 
of  the  gospel.  What  a  niultitiide  of  laborers  might  thus  be 
sent  forth  into  the  vineyard  of  the  Lord! 

().  Finally,  brethren,  ^^  pray  ivithout  ceasing-.^ ^ 
i  would  not  have  taken  up  my  pen  to  write  to  you,  had  I  not 
lioped  to  excite  you  to  more  fervency  at  the  throne  of  grace. 
The  Lord  Jehovah  alone  holds  our  destinies  in  his  hands. 
He  has  suffered  this  error  to  creep  in  among  us.  Perhaps  it 
is  to  draw^  our  hearts  closer  together,  to  make  us  feel  our 
dependance  on  him,  and  quicken  us  in  the  performance  of  our 
duty  :  perhaps  to  make  us  feel  more  sympathy  for  the  nations 
of  Europe  who  are  groaning  under  the  papal  yoke  :  perhaps 
he  designs  to  manifest  his  Almighty  power,  by  carrying  on  his 
gospel  in  the  midst  of  opposition,  and  thus  secure. the  glory 
to  himself.  Let  us  "  trust  in  the  Lord  forever  ;  for  in  the  Lord 
Jehovah  is  everlasting  strength."  Let  our  missionaries  in  the 
West  enjoy  our  liberality,  and  be  upheld  by  our  prayers.  We 
ought  most  earnestly  to  pray  for  the  outpouring  of  the  Holy 
Ghost  in  the  valley  of  the  Mississippi.  The  "  man  of  sin" 
is  to  be  destroyed  by  "  the  brightness  of  Christ's  coming." 
If  the  Lord  do  not  interpose  for  the  inhabitants  of  the  West, 
they  will  be  undone. 

I  close  with  one  reflection.  How  important  that  pure  and 
iindefiled  religion  should  flourish  in  our  schools,  and  colleges. 
A  vast  multitude  of  youth  is  here  training  up,  to  become 
either  the  efiicient  friends,  or  the  determined  enemies  of 
Christ.  With  what  inexpressible  longings  ought  the  church 
I  to  look  upon  these  institutions  !  How  fervently  ought  she  to 
pour  forth  her  prayers  in  their  behalf,  that  the  Lord  would 
visit  them  by  his  grace,  and  make  ready  a  people  prepared 
for  his  service!  "Lift  up  your  eyes  and  look  on  the  fields, 
for  they  are  white  already  to  harvest  :  Pray  ye  therefore,  the 
Lord  of  the  Harvest  that  he  w^ould  send  forth  laborers  into 
his  vineyard." 

APPENDLX^  A. 

The  following  extracts  from  the  Roman  IMissal,  on  the  one  hand,  and  the  Bible  on 
the  other,  will  shew  in  a  striking  light,  the  difierence  between  the  Catholic,  and 
.Scriptural  way  of  approaching  God. 

ROMAN  MLSSAL. 

THE  LITANY  OF   SAINTS. 

(In  part.) 
Lord  have  mercy  on  lis. 
Christ  have  mercy  on  us. 
•Lord  have  mercy  on  us. 
Christ  hear  us.     Christ  graciously  hear  us 
God  the  father  of  heaven  have  mercy  on  uy 
God  the  Son,  Redeemer  of  the  Worki 

have  mercij  on  us. 
God  the  Holy  Ghost  have,  mercy  on  us. 
ITnlv  Trinitv.  one  God.  hare  mercy  011  ?(S, 


BIBLE. 

WAY  TO  APPROACH  GOD. 

"  Father  into  thy  hands  I  commend  niv 
•Spirit."     Luke,  23:  46. 

"  Lord  Jesus,  receive  my  Spirit."  Acts, 
-.  60. 

"  Come  u7ito  me,  all  ye  that  labor  and 
are  heavy  laden,  and  I  will  fi;ive  von  rest.'' 
VTatth.  II  :  f?P 


i>:i 


Holy  Mary, 

Holy  mother  of  God, 

Holy  Virgin  of  Virgins. 

St.  Michael, 

St.  Gabriel, 

St.  Raphael, 

All  ye  holy  Angels  and  Archangels, 

All  ye  holy  Orders  of  blessed  Spirits, 

St.  John  Baptist, 

St.  Joseph, 

All  ye  holy  Patriarchs  and  Prophets, 

St.  Peter, 

St.  Paul, 

St.  Andrew, 

St.  James, 

St.  John, 

St.  Thomas, 

St.  James, 

St.  Philip, 

St.  Bartholomcic, 

St.  Mattheio, 

St.  Simon, 

St.  Thaddaus, 

St.  Matthias, 

St.  Barnaby, 

St.  Luke, 

St.  Mark,  - 

All  ye  holy  Apostles  and  Evangelists, 

All  ye  holy  Disciples  of  the  Lord, 

All  ye  holy  Innocents, 

St.  Stephen, 

St.  Lawrence, 

St.  Vincent, 

St.  Fabian  and  St.  Sebastian, 

St.  John  and  St.  Paid, 

St.  Cosmos  and  St.  Damian, 

St.  Gervais  and  St.  Protese, 

All  ye  holy  Martyrs, 

St.  Sylvester, 

St.  Gregory, 

St.  Anibrosc, 

St.  Augustin, 

St.  Jerom, 

St.  Martin, 

St.  Nicholas, 

St.  Patrick, 

All  ye  holy  Bishops  and  Confessors, 

All  ye  holy  Doctors, 

St.  Anthony  and  St.  Bennet, 

St.  Bernard, 

St.  Dominick, 

St.  Francis, 

All  ye  holy  Priests  and  Levites, 

All  ye  holy  Monks  and  Hermits, 

St.  Mary  Magdalen, 

St.  Agatha, 

St.  Lucy, 

St.  Agnes, 

St.  Cecily, 

St.  Cailiarinr. 

St,  Anastasia, 

St.  Bridget, 

All  ye  holy  Virgins  and  Widows, 


''  Him  tliat  comeili  to  me,  I  will  m  no 
wise  cast  out."    John  6 :  37. 

"  Every  man  that  hath  heard,  and  hath 
learned  of  the  Father  cometh  unto  me." 
John  6:  45. 

"  Seeing  then  that  we  have  a  great 
High  Priest,  that  is  passed  into  the  hea- 
vens, Jesus  the  Son  of  God,  let  us  hold 
fast  our  profession." 

'  For  we  have  not  an  High  Priest  which 
cannot  be  touched  with  the  feeling  of  our 
infirmities ;  but  was  in  all  points  tempted 
like  as  we  are,  yet  without  sin." 

'  Let  us  therefore  come  boldly  unto  the 
throne  of  grace,  that  we  may  obtain  mercy, 
and  find  grace  to  help  in  time  of  need." 
Heb.  4:  14,  15,  16. 

''But  this  man  (Christ  Jesus)  because 
he  continueth  ever,  hath  an  unchangablo 
priesthood.  Wherefore  he  is  able  also  to 
save  unto  the  uttermost  them  that  come 
unto  God,  by  him,  seeing  he  ever  liveth  to 
make  intercession  for  them.'''' 

For  such  an  High  Priest  became  us,  who 
is  holy,  harmless,  undefiled,  separate  from 
sinners,  and  made  hisjher  than  the  hea- 
vens."   Heb.  7:  24,25,26. 

'•'  For  Christ  is  not  entered  into  the 
holy  places  made  with  hands,  which  are 
the  figures  of  the  true ;  but  into  heaven 
itself,  now  to  appear  in  the  presence  of 
God /or  ws."    Heb.  9:  24. 

"  Having  therefore,  brethren,  boldness 
to  enter  into  the  holiest  by  the  blood  of 
Jesus, 

And  having  an  High  Priest  over  the 
house  of  God; 

Let  us  draw  near  with  a  true  heart  in 
full  assurance  of  faith,  having  our  hearts- 
sprinkled  from  an  evil  conscience,  and 
our  bodies  washed  with  pure  water."  Heb 
10:  19,21,22. 

What  need  have  wo  then  of  the  inter- 
cession of  Saints  and  Angels,  which  is  no- 
jwhere  commanded  in  Scripture' 


